Sunday, December 24, 2006

Last summer, I organized the first-ever doggie sail at the South Street Seaport in Manhattan. (view my photo album) While calling around town looking for unique treats to fill up the nautical-themed goodie bags for the event, I came across Honeybark Bakery in Long Island.The owner Geri Sim generously offered Honeybark treat samples and they were a big hit among the dogs and owners alike. Trust me I know, Roxie woofed down the star-shaped biscuits with such speed I had to see what the fuss was all about so I sneaked a quick bite. Not bad!

Honeybark’s treats are homemade with organic whole grains, fruits, vegetables and meat free of chemicals. They come in tempting flavors, such as banana bliss, granny’s apple pie, flax happy, and minty kisses to name a few. If you live in the Long Island area, Geri will whip up a "barkday" cake for your dog's special day. They are naturally delicious too.

As a supporter of many charity events in the dog community, I truly believe Geri puts a dollop of love into every dog biscuit she makes by hand.Honeybark’s packaging is adorable and makes the perfect doggie party favor. Or buy them in bulk and keep on hand to reward your dog anytime.

Honeybark Bakery’s dog biscuits can be found locally at Uncle Guiseppe’s Market in Smithtown, at Fetch in Port Jefferson, and Zoomies in Manhattan. You may also order online: http://www.honeybark.com/

Monday, December 18, 2006

My friend Savannah and I started a new holiday tradition with our dogs.

On Sunday, we attended the annual Holiday Blessing of the Animals at Central Presbyterian church. It’s a Manhattan holiday tradition of good cheer and caroling to celebrate mankind's best friends and their brethren.

Everyone was filled with Christmas spirit and the event was one I’ll never forget. But don’t take my word for it, read Savannah’s take here:

This lovely event takes place once a year on the Sunday before Christmas Eve, at the Central Presbyterian Church on Park Avenue. I've been interested in this event for sometime, but as a not overly religious person I wasn't sure that I'd be comfortable or even welcome at such an event. I called and spoke with someone at the church, who went out of his way to assure me that people of ALL faiths, religions, or lack there of, are welcome to this blessing. He also promised me that there would be no pressuring towards any religion or denomination.

I was encouraged to come and see for myself. I decided to try it. I packed up my cat and Schnauzer and headed over to the church.

The one hour service preceding the actual blessing was great. There were a few excerpts from the Bible, but primarily quotes and anecdotes about man's best friend and other creatures.

There was a short ceremony honoring the accomplishments of the participants in Puppies Behind Bars, a canine education program where inmates raise and train dogs to be service dogs, bomb dogs, and the like. After a rendition of "Away in a Manger" the blessings began. Attendees had the options of Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish clergy to bless us and our animals. It was at this point that I realized that many of the people there were, like myself, not attached to any particular religion. So many people just wanted affirmation that our pets are as special as we know they are!

Religious, or not, this is an incredibly special event that I would recommend to anyone: dog, cat, hamster (yes there was one there!), and human alike!

Friday, December 15, 2006

When I was a kid, I wished for one of those cool car beds that were so popular in the '80s. Cartoon icon Richie Rich had one, so why couldn't I?

While I never managed to score one, I can now live my childhood fantasy through my pup Roxie. Yep, you guessed it!

This year, I’m adding Trixie & Peanut's Furcedes, a plush car bed for dogs, to my holiday wish list. Not your style? You and your dog can test drive other models, including a red Furrari, a stretch Hollywoof Limo, and the flower power Barkswaggin'. They are the ultimate in pet beds and a surefire way to get your dog off your own couch.

Don't want to wait for Santa Paws to come down your chimney? Visit Trixie and Peanut in person at their Manhattan boutique or check out their Web site (www.trixieandpeanut.com) and order one for your posh pet.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Like many urban dog owners, I relish the hours between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. when I can take Roxie to my local park for some fun and frolicking without her leash.

Depending on the day, she'll chase other dogs or we’ll play catch and review basic obedience commands. Going to the park during “off leash hours” for exercise keeps my dog fit and I enjoy the fresh air and surrounding nature. It’s a Zen-like experience.

Bob Marino and his organization, the New York Council of Dog Owner Groups (NYC DOG), were instrumental in winning the legal battle to maintain the special privilege of dogs playing off leash during off hours at local parks. Anyone wishing to express gratitude or make a tax-deductible contribution can visit their Web site: www.nycdog.org.

Now that it’s official, please don’t abuse this freedom. Be a responsible dog owner and leash your dog promptly at 9 a.m., scoop the poop, and allow others to enjoy the park as you do.

Got a great picture of your dog playing off leash? E-mail it to me and we’ll feature the photos on the blog.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Not to be confused with the designer dog label or the MTV Phillipines star of the same name, I proudly offer you Rex in tha City, a new blog to cover the fashion, the fun, and events of interest to people who pamper their beloved dogs.

Rex in tha City is inspired by my life with Roxie, an adorable miniature Schnauzer, and the fellow dog lovers I've met in New York City and Long Island as the organizer of a dog club called The New York City Schnauzers Playgroup. (powered by Meetup.com)

We all share a common thread, enjoying life with our “furbabies” in tow and trying to give back all the unconditional love we receive from them daily.

On a regular basis, I’ll post the latest happenings fit for you and pooch, including dog-friendly events, doggie playdates, canine news, doggie business profiles, and other fun stuff.In addition, you’re invited to share your own personal stories and views, tips for dog-friendly spots, and photos of your dogs at play.

Love it or hate it, dog lovers are a breed all their own. I wouldn’t want it any other way!